Seducing the Heart - Chapter 1

The clinking of cups resonated amidst the celebratory songs and dances.

It was said that people did not envy the immortals, but rather the willow-lined pleasure districts of the imperial capital.

A young noble reclined on soft cushions, his face as fair as jade with crimson lips and white teeth. He languidly and slowly swirled the wine cup in his hand. He was already slightly tipsy, yet his eyes remained exceptionally clear.

This man was a regular at the “Envyless Immortal” tavern and the most favored and esteemed young Prince in the capital of Yundu. Today, his mood was somber, and those around him were discerning enough not to disturb him.

His attendant left and returned, waiting by his side with downcast eyes. When Yun Jin stopped swirling the wine cup, Nangong Ning knew the Prince had finally finished his contemplations. Having followed Yun Jin since childhood, she understood the meaning behind almost every one of his gestures.

“Ah Ning,” Yun Jin called out softly, tilting his head slightly to look at Nangong Ning. “Let us return.”

His eyes always held a gentle light. He was as refined as jade, a true elegant gentleman. Nangong Ning nodded in agreement and respectfully escorted him back to the manor, just as she did every other day.

Everyone claimed that Prince Jin was romantic and loved beautiful women. However, they did not know that this esteemed young Prince was actually supposed to be a Princess. The various power struggles within the imperial palace were far too treacherous; a single moment of carelessness could lead to eternal ruin.

Before Yun Jin was born, her mother, a favored consort, had been envied and poisoned by others. Fortunately, she knew extraordinary people who used their miraculous skills to detoxify her. However, this resulted in Yun Jin being born with an extremely weak constitution.

At that time, Mu Chaoge acted on a sudden impulse and told the reporting eunuch that she had given birth to a Prince. Later, she used extraordinary means to maintain the deception. She wanted her child to possess the power of initiative rather than becoming a sacrifice of imperial power to be married off at will in the future.

This secret had been kept for many years.

Yun Jin sniffed her collar. The wine at “Envyless Immortal” was top tier, and the scent of the pot she had chosen was not unpleasant on her clothes. Still, she felt she should bathe before sleeping. The servants in the manor were clever and naturally knew what to do; warm water had long been prepared.

Yun Jin shed her disguise, undressed, and stepped into the water. The warm steam enveloped her, causing her to narrow her eyes in comfort.

Xie Lianjing waited in the side hall for a long time. Seeing that Yun Jin had not emerged, she became puzzled. After a moment of thought, she understood.

“Ah Ning, go and carry Yun’er out. She probably fell asleep over there after her bath again.” Xie Lianjing’s tone was helpless, as it was clearly not the first time Yun Jin had done such a thing.

Yun Jin was already physically weak. If she caught a cold, it would be even harder to nurse her back to health.

When the two reached the bathroom, they saw the troublesome Prince indeed wearing sleeping robes and sleeping on a rocking chair. After bathing, her appearance was even more breathtaking. Her long black hair was scattered to the side, making her face appear even more pale and delicate.

Yun Jin was a light sleeper. Sensing someone approaching, she immediately opened her eyes. Seeing the two standing before her, with Senior Sister Xie looking indignant as if ready to interrogate her, she smiled faintly and apologized.

“The wine’s effect lingered, and I accidentally fell asleep.”

Xie Lianjing felt a sense of frustrated disappointment. Yun Jin’s frail frame looked like it could not withstand any hardship. If she felt unwell, it would only mean more work for Xie to treat her. The Prince simply did not know how to cherish herself.

Xie Lianjing gave a look to Nangong Ning, who understood the meaning. Nangong Ning stepped forward to pick the Prince up, but was stopped by a hand.

“Ah Ning, there is no need.”

Yun Jin’s expression was languid, but she insisted on standing up by herself. As she moved closer, Nangong Ning caught a whiff of the cold fragrance coming from her. It was subtle, yet strangely attracting.

In truth, Yun Jin weighed very little. Holding her would likely feel soft and delicate. However, Yun Jin did not like close physical contact with others, and Nangong Ning could only feel a faint sense of regret.

Followed by the two, Yun Jin returned to her room and reclined on her sleeping couch. Knowing there was medicine yet to be taken, she reached out and took the medicinal broth handed over by Nangong Ning. Nangong Ning expressionlessly handed her the bowl and continued to stand to the side.

“Yun’er, have you heard about the Princess who has come for the marriage alliance?” Xie Lianjing looked at Yun Jin with concern. “Who do you think the Emperor will eventually betroth her to?”

Yun Jin’s movement paused for a moment before she drank the medicine in one gulp. She allowed Xie Lianjing to wipe the residue from her lips before lying down.

“Probably, it will be me.”

The expressions of both people beside her changed instantly. They wanted to say something, but they found that she had already fallen asleep. Her breathing was steady and shallow, like a foreign cat kept by a favored consort in the palace.

Aside from the Crown Prince, the other Princes would likely reside in their respective fiefs after the new Emperor ascended the throne. However, because the current Emperor favored Yun Jin and took her weak constitution into account, he would likely keep her in the capital to recuperate.

By protocol, the alliance Princess could not be neglected. By interest, she could not become the wife of the heir to the throne. Yet, she had to remain in the capital. Thinking it through, only this sickly young Prince remained as a suitable choice.

This marriage alliance was different from previous ones. In terms of military and financial power, Northern Chu was not much weaker than Yundu. This forced everyone to be wary of whether there were ulterior motives involved.

Back then, Consort Xian only hoped that Yun Jin could be healthy and happy, living a peaceful life without being dragged into court struggles. But in this world, there are many things one cannot control.

The quiet room was silent, with only a faint scent of incense floating in the air. However, the person on the couch was not sleeping peacefully.

“Mother!” Yun Jin startled awake from a dream, then clutched her racing heart. She raised an eyebrow and looked at the incense burner in the room. It was clearly calming incense, yet it still could not protect her from nightmares.

She applied her makeup and dressed. This makeup had been done thousands of times, and she was now a master of the craft. Her originally soft features instantly gained a hint of masculine heroics.

“Your Highness, there is a summons from the palace.”

“Understood. Accept it.” It was within her expectations.

Over the past few days, there had been multiple summons, and the manor had continuously received precious medicines. By both logic and courtesy, she could no longer use illness as an excuse to decline.

When Yun Jin arrived, the officials were mostly all present, seated on both sides. Yun Jin maintained a calm demeanor as she walked forward and bowed respectfully to the Emperor. The Emperor immediately waved his hand to excuse the formalities. His son’s constitution was weak, and these tedious rituals were to be avoided whenever possible.

“My son, I have finally looked forward to seeing you. How is it? Is your body feeling any better?” Looking at his handsome young Prince, the Emperor’s majestic expression softened slightly, showing a bit of fatherly affection.

“Father, my health is acceptable. It is only that I was indisposed a few days ago and could not personally see you. I have missed you dearly.”

Being missed by his favorite young son, the Emperor showed even more joy. He praised him repeatedly and told Yun Jin to take her seat.

“Envoys of Northern Chu, why has your Princess not yet arrived? To keep the officials waiting…” Crown Prince Yun Si was already skilled at reading the Emperor’s mood. Seeing the Emperor frown, he spoke up to resolve his father’s annoyance.

Before the question could finish, an announcement was made.

“Wishing the Emperor of Yundu longevity as high as the heavens and peace for the nation and its people.” Qin Zhanluo was dressed in simple ceremonial attire, her aura quiet and elegant. Even without wearing magnificent princess robes, her innate noble temperament was impossible to ignore.

She was the Princess of Northern Chu, titled Zhaoning.

“The Princess has been in Yundu for many days, yet she still refuses to remove the mask on her face?”

“She cannot. Our Princess’s face can only be seen for the first time by her future husband on their wedding day.” The envoy replied neither humbly nor arrogantly on behalf of Zhaoning.

Yun Si felt disdain in his heart, thinking she was just playing tricks and was likely an ugly woman who couldn’t be married off.

“Princess Zhaoning has come to Yundu for a marriage alliance and has traveled a long way. This banquet is entirely to welcome her.” Emperor Yun smiled and raised his wine cup. “There is no need to be formal.”

“Emperor Yun is my elder; you may simply call me Zhaoning.” Qin Zhanluo also raised her wine cup, drained it while hiding her face behind her wide sleeve, and casually overturned the cup to show her sincerity.

After that cup of wine, the atmosphere at the banquet became significantly more active.

“Zhaoning, regarding your marriage alliance, you may have heard something about the situation of these Princes over the past few days. My sons are all here today. Look and see if there is a candidate you favor in your heart.” Yun Mosheng was merely asking what he already knew.

Based on the single simple condition Qin Zhanluo had proposed for choosing a marriage partner, only one person could meet it.

“I have been resting at the diplomatic hostel these past few days and have not had time to inquire about such matters. In truth, appearance and temperament are secondary. Whichever Prince can satisfy my one requirement can become my husband.”

“What requirement?”

It wasn’t that no one was curious about the face under the mask. Judging by her figure, aura, and speech, she shouldn’t be terribly ugly.

“The person I marry must have only me as his wife for his entire life. He may not take any others.”

The Princes who had been somewhat curious earlier immediately lost interest upon hearing Qin Zhanluo’s words. Putting aside the fact that they didn’t know what she looked like, even if she were a great beauty, they couldn’t give up thousands of beautiful concubines for her.

“In that case, I have a general idea.” Yun Mosheng looked toward Yun Jin as if by accident. Seeing that she showed no sign of resistance, he felt at ease.

Not only the Emperor, but everyone now knew her choice. Some mocked her in their hearts, thinking that with Yun Jin’s frail body, even if she had the heart for multiple wives and concubines, she likely lacked the capability.

Although Yun Jin was weak, she was handsome and romantic. In her youth, she loved frequenting places like “Envyless Immortal.” Thus, there were rumors among the people saying she had indulged too much, leading to impotence. No one knew if it was true or false. However, she was carefree and happy, and the Emperor continued to dote on her regardless.

Yun Jin acted as usual, as if she were simply attending a banquet, and never showed any emotion. Qin Zhanluo looked at Yun Jin on the opposite side. Unexplained emotions surged in her eyes before quickly dissipating, leaving her gaze as cold and indifferent as usual.

From the looks of it, this young Prince did not intend to struggle. Qin Zhanluo used her slender hand to pick up the white jade pot, poured wine, and drank. Hidden beneath the mask, a smile formed on her lips.

Sure enough, the imperial decree for the marriage was issued that night. Yun Jin calmly accepted the decree and gave some silver to the eunuch who delivered it. She had known the result for a long time, so there was nothing to be surprised about.

In the imperial family, one never has the right to choose. If she were a woman, she would have to marry off for an alliance. Since she was a man, she could not escape the arrangement of marrying a princess or a daughter of a noble family. They were merely tools to consolidate imperial power.

Yun Jin had long reached this realization, and now the partner was simply finalized. Thinking carefully, that Princess was actually more pitiful than herself. As a Princess who received all the favor, she had to marry someone she had only met once and did not love. Furthermore, this person was actually a woman and could give her nothing.

Yun Jin sighed softly, but then felt an itch in her throat and could not stop herself from coughing twice.

“Your Highness, it is time for your medicine.”

Yun Jin took the dark broth and habitually drank the bitter medicine. She then looked with amusement at Nangong Ning, who was standing beside her with a conflicted expression, looking as if she wanted to say something but was hesitating.

“Ah Ning, if you have something to say, you can speak directly. No need for this.” She looked like a student who couldn’t recite a lesson but was afraid to say so.

“Does Your Highness truly intend to marry that Princess? But…”

“Ah Ning, do not worry.” Yun Jin handed back the empty bowl and stood up, feeling the touch of the evening breeze on her face. It was very comfortable.

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